A study found that, among other things, overfarming and pesticide use are major threats to the world’s key crops that are necessary to food security. Some of the globally important crops that are in danger of extinction include potatoes, avocados, and vanilla. Among the mentioned crops,...
By JENNA V. GENIO Philippine Taxonomic Initiative (PTI) has identified a new plant species, Amorphophallus minimus , in Nueva Ecija and its description is now published in the peer-reviewed Nordic Journal of Botany as of September 1, 2021. Plants from the genus Amorphophallus are commonly known as...
By Jenna V. Genio A researcher named Kean Roe F. Mazo from Zamboanga has discovered a new plant species. It has been described and named Begonia tinuyopensis after barangay Tinuyop in which it was found. The international scientific community has accepted it as a novel species of Begonia with its...
With the ubiquity of nature photography and videography, thanks to electronic media, one housewife’s passion is reviving a lost art–while also protecting a bigger future PRESERVATION THROUGH ART From left: Artworks in the project include Hari II, acrylic on canvas, by Maxi V. Ramos, 2020;...
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is mourning the passing of heritage and cultural tourism advocate Ramon Hofileña. Ramon Hofileña (Photo from the Department of Tourism) In a statement, the DOT conveyed its condolences to the family of Hofileña who was recognized as the father of heritage...
A new species of Vaccinium has been found on the summit of Mt. Victoria in Palawan. The newly found V. exiguum is the 36th species in the country and the third Vaccinium on the island of Palawan. (R. Bustamante) According to a Facebook post by the Philipine Taxonomic Initiative, Vaccinium exiguum...
Conservation efforts must go on despite the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the Philippines whose biodiversity makes it not only one of the richest, but also one of the most vulnerable in the world. One of only 17 megadiverse countries worldwide, the Philippines is rich in natural resources and...
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy A. Cimatu has hailed the contribution of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the efforts to conserve the critically endangered Philippine eagle. (Photo from DENR) "The Philippine eagle's presence in the forests is intrinsically connected...
Seagrasses play a critical role in preserving marine diversity. They serve as a home to countless aquatic species, one of the many reasons why protecting them is vital. Here are the following reasons why seagrasses are essential to marine life: They are multi-purpose plants Seagrasses can serve as...
In line with the celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Department of Education (DepEd), in collaboration with the Biodiversity Conservation Society of the Philippines (BCSP), launched a toolkit on Philippine biodiversity. (Screenshot from BCSP) "Samot-Saring Buhay: A...
The sharp increase in the number of resorts in Laguna the past few years has been worrisome as far as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is concerned. WATER-INTENSIVE BUSINESS--Resorts flourish in Laguna, but their effects on the sustainability of the Mount Makiling...
An energy official from the European Union (EU) has underscored the need for inclusivity in pursuing Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) in the Philippines, particularly outside of Luzon. (Photo from DOE Facebook page) “In this time of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic, it is...
